There are quite a few gran fondos in the Vosges, but only one can be the best. And as far as we are concerned, that is the all-new L'Alsacienne on June 25, 2023. If you want to be there, you can register starting today. But be quick, because the 3,000 spots will most likely fill up quickly. Fully justified as far as we're concerned, because you're not going to get much better.
Participants of L'Alsacienne have the choice of no fewer than four, completely redesigned routes. The routes all run along the roads of the Tour, which passed by in 2022 and will do so again in 2023.
The longest distance has 195 km with 4850 meters of elevation. You read it correctly: almost 5000 meters of climbing! If you choose this route, you will climb to Le Markstein no less than three times, each time from different sides. One passage is extra special because that is a new voie verte from Geishouse to Haag, which will be completed in June 2023. This car-free HC-col (11 km, 8% average, 19% max) will be officially opened in L'Alsacienne and also included in the Tour in 2023.
In addition, you also tackle numerous other slopes including famous Platzerwasel, Petit Ballon, Col d'Oderen and Route des Crêtes. We can rightly speak of a route that is not only beastly beautiful but also beastly hard. Most climbs in the Vosges are doable without extremely steep sections, but the Platzerwasel and Petit Ballon, on the other hand, are quite difficult. So the route is quite varied. The full profile is in the images below.
This may be too intense for you. Not to worry! There is also a 146 km medio fondo and 3800m+. Also anything but simple. Finally, there are two shorter distances. A corto of 118 km / 2750m+ and a sportive (without timekeeping) of 70 km and 1700m+. All details and GPX files can be found here.
The brand new organization has chosen a new start location: the Lac de Kruth. A fairytale setting, set against the picture-perfect peaks of the Vosges Mountains. In the area you will find plenty of affordable accommodation. Inns, hotels, Airbnb's, campsites: you can find a place to stay for every budget. The finish line is at the same location so there are no logistical challenges. Of course there are plenty of parking lots where you can park your car.
And now the best news: Kruth is very centrally located in Europe, so travel time is limited. A hit-and-run is therefore also a possibility.
Don't be mistaken, L'Alscacienne is a real gran fondo, with all the ingredients that go with it. There is time registration, feed stations, signal men, classifications, a podium ceremony and everything else you would expect. Fast deciders pay only €49 for all this. We can safely speak of a bargain. If you wait longer, it can rise to a still very reasonable €56. For a small additional charge you can book a delicious recovery meal. All prices can be found here.
All this makes L'Alsacienne the perfect alternative to La Marmotte. The travel time is much shorter, the course is at least as tough, the atmosphere is friendly and the organization is of a very high level. And to top it off, the price is not even half.
The registration is open as of today (February 1). There are 3,000 starting tickets, first come, first served. We've already booked our tickets, so hopefully we'll see you there!
Want to know more? Then check out the detail page on CycloWorld. Or visit the official website.
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